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What is pneumococcal meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Once infected, the membranes swell. Viruses are responsible for most cases of meningitis, but pneumococcal meningitis is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pneumococcal meningitis is a rare but very serious illness that can develop into a life-threatening medical emergency. The infection may have long-term consequences and can even be fatal. Prompt treatment is necessary to minimize the risk of adverse outcomes.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is a widespread bacteria responsible for many illnesses, including meningitis, pneumonia, and sinus infections. The bacteria spread easily and quickly from person to person through coughing and sneezing.

S. pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults. It is also among the leading causes of bacterial meningitis in children under 2 years old.

The incidence of severe pneumococcal infection, including meningitis, has decreased significantly since the introduction of the pneumococcal vaccine.

In this article, we take a look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition.

Causes

The streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria may be passed via coughing and sneezing.

Pneumococcal meningitis occurs when S. pneumoniae enter a person's bloodstream and infect the fluid surrounding the brain or spine.

When a person has this bacteria in their system, they do not always contract meningitis. However, it causes many other illnesses, including:

ear infections

blood infections

sinus infections

pneumonia

According to the Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada, up to 40 percent of people may carry S. pneumoniae.

In the majority of these people, the bacteria is not growing or active and will not cause illness. However, anyone who carries this bacteria can transmit it to others, potentially causing any of the illnesses above or pneumococcal meningitis.

The bacteria spread via tiny droplets released from a person's nose or mouth. These droplets may come into contact with another person via:

coughing

sneezing

sharing silverware or food

using someone else's lipstick

Risk factors

Certain factors can make a person more susceptible to developing pneumococcal meningitis, including:

The CDC also report that children of African-American descent, Alaskan natives, and some American Indian groups are at higher risk of developing the disease.

People who live in close contact with many others may be more likely to contract pneumococcal meningitis. Residing in dorms or other communal living situations may increase a person's risk of developing the condition. Children in day care may also be at higher risk.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis may include stiff neck, sensitivity to light, chills, and high fever.

Pneumococcal meningitis symptoms start suddenly, usually within 3 days of infection with the bacteria. Symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis include:

In some situations, doctors may also prescribe corticosteroids to help reduce swelling around the brain and spinal column.

Outlook

Pneumococcal meningitis is a very serious condition. As many as 1 out of 5 people die as a result of pneumococcal meningitis. Young children and adults over 65 are at the greatest risk.

A vaccination is available for those who are most prone to the condition. Those at high risk should discuss this option with their doctor. Vaccination is the only way to reduce the risk of pneumococcal meningitis in high-risk groups. All children in the U.S. are now vaccinated against S. pneumoniae.

As a result, the CDC have reported a dramatic decline in incidence rates. For example, rates of invasive pneumococcal disease have fallen from 100 cases in every 100,000 people in 1998 to 9 cases in every 100,000 people in 2015.

Pneumococcal meningitis can leave people with long-lasting problems, such as:

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